Classy Kohli century fires India ahead of New Zealand

MUMBAI: A classy Virat Kohli century propelled India to 280-8 against New Zealand in the first one-day international (ODI) at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The Indian captain, playing in his 200th ODI match, smashed 121 off 125 balls including nine fours and two sixes.

Kohli brought up his ton with a single in the 45th over. As he completed it he raised his bat to acknowledge the acclaim of the adoring Indian crowd.

The skipper came on at number three after left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan went for just nine runs, caught behind by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off Trent Boult in the fourth over.

Rohit Sharma went next for 20, again off Boult, as India endured a disappointing start to their innings after Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first.

The right-handed Sharma attempted a wild lash at a pacey Boult delivery, only for it to clip outside stump to leave India struggling on 29-2.

Kohli and Kedar Jadhav then combined for a 42-run partnership before the latter chipped a Mitchell Santner delivery back to the bowler for the simplest of catches.

India breathed a sigh of relief when Santner dropped Kohli on 29 runs after the skipper drove the ball straight at the Kiwi standing at cover.

■ EAST LONDON (South Africa):

Faf du Plessis led another South African assault on Bangladesh’s bowlers before he was forced to retire hurt nine runs short of a century in the third and final oneday international at Buffalo Park.

The South African captain made 91 off 67 balls as South Africa piled up 369 for six yesterday, their highest one- day total against Bangladesh and the highest total at the ground.

Du Plessis looked set for a ninth one- day international century before he suffered what a team official described as an acute lower back strain while running between wickets.

The injury ruled him out of the rest of the match. He hit 10 fours and a six. — AFP